The Soweto Gospel Choir was formed in Soweto, South Africa by David Mulovhe… Read Full Bio ↴The Soweto Gospel Choir was formed in Soweto, South Africa by David Mulovhedzi (†) and Beverly Bryer, two choir directors. The 30+ member ensemble blends elements of African gospel, Negro spirituals, reggae, and American popular music. The group performed at the first of the 46664 concerts for Nelson Mandela, and has since toured internationally several times.

Their albums Blessed and African Spirit won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional World Music Album in 2007 and 2008 respectively.

On 7 July 2007 they performed at South African leg of Live Earth. Also in 2007, they joined Robert Plant in contributing to Goin' Home: A Tribute to Fats Domino (Vanguard), performing their version of Domino's "Valley of Tears".

At the 81st Academy Awards in 2009, the group backed up John Legend with the song Down To Earth, a song from WALL-E nominated for "Best Song" that year.

The group performed at the 2010 FIFA World Cup final draw on 4 December 2009 in Cape Town, South Africa.

In 2010 composer Christopher Tin's song "Baba Yetu," which featured the group, won the Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s). The song had originally been produced for Firaxis Games's 2005 PC title Civilization IV, but Tin enlisted the Soweto Gospel Choir to re-record the song for inclusion on his debut album "Calling All Dawns," leading to the song's nomination and award. This marked the first time a video game composition had won or been nominated for the category.

Discography

Voices from Heaven (Shanachie Records, 2005)
Blessed (Shanachie, 2006)
African Spirit (Shanachie, 2007)
Grace (Shanachie 2010)
[edit]Other contributions
Goin' Home: A Tribute to Fats Domino (Vanguard Records, 2007)[2]

Jerusalem
The Soweto Gospel Choir Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Jerusalem
Zulu Traditional

Jerusalem ikhaya lam
Engi lithandayo
Jerusalem ikhaya lam
Engi lithandayo

Wovezwa nini umzamo
Sengi khumble kuwe

Wobanani?
Wobanani amehlo am
Lamasango mahle
Nizi trata zegolide
Zomzi wo sindiso

English - Jerusalem
Jerusalem is my home
That I love so much
My wishes and hopes are for you
My eyes will see beautiful gates
And the street of gold
Of the City of Salvation MALAIKA (My Beautiful Angel)
I love you my angel
I want to marry you to be my wife
But I don't have any money to pay for lobola (dowry)
You're the only angel I think of

You bring happiness to my heart
If I marry you, I'll be the happiest man

Overall Meaning

The Soweto Gospel Choir's song "Jerusalem" is full of rich cultural references and carries a message of hope and joy. The song's lyrics speak to the deep connection the singer has to their home Jerusalem, which they call ikhaya lam, meaning "my home." This term conveys a sense of rootedness and belonging that is central to the song's message. The repetition of the phrase "Engi lithandayo" reinforces this message, conveying the singer's deep love for their home.

The song's lyrics also express a longing for salvation and a belief in the power of the divine. The references to "beautiful gates" and the "street of gold" evoke images of heaven, while the mention of "sindiso" (salvation) underscores the song's spiritual themes. The lyrics speak to a belief in a higher power that can bring comfort and joy, even in times of hardship.

Overall, "Jerusalem" is a celebration of culture, faith, and community. It showcases the unique beauty of the Zulu language and offers a message of hope that transcends cultural borders.

Line by Line Meaning

Jerusalem is my home
The city of Jerusalem is my homeland, my birthplace, and my heart belongs there.

That I love so much
I have a deep love and attachment to this city, and it means everything to me.

My wishes and hopes are for you
All my dreams, aspirations, and prayers are for Jerusalem to prosper and be blessed.

My eyes will see beautiful gates
I hope to witness the stunning gates of Jerusalem, which symbolize the entrance to the Holy City's holiness and purity.

And the street of gold
I seek to walk on the magnificent avenue paved with gold, a testimony to the richness and glory of the city.

Of the City of Salvation MALAIKA (My Beautiful Angel)
Jerusalem, also known as the City of Salvation, is like a beautiful angel that brings heavenly blessings and spiritual renewal to my soul.

I love you my angel
My love for Jerusalem is like the affection I would give to a cherished angel or loved one.

I want to marry you to be my wife
I desire to have a permanent, intimate relationship with Jerusalem, as if it were my spouse.

But I don't have any money to pay for lobola (dowry)
I am unable to offer the traditional bridal payment or gifts to express my commitment and love for Jerusalem.

You're the only angel I think of
Jerusalem is the only heavenly being that I think deserves my love, attention, and devotion.

You bring happiness to my heart
When I think of Jerusalem, it brings an unexplainable joy to my soul, and my heart is filled with gladness.

If I marry you, I'll be the happiest man
If I could be united with Jerusalem fully, it would bring me a happiness that surpasses all the happiness in the world.

Contributed by Olivia K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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